(Newser)
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Five spectators were injured today after shrapnel was sent flying at the demolition of a decommissioned steam power plant in California's Central Valley, authorities said. More than 1,000 people had gathered at 6am in a nearby parking lot to watch the planned implosion at the plant owned by Pacific Gas and Electric in Bakersfield. After structures on the property came crashing down, a police officer at the scene heard a man screaming for help and saw his leg had been severed.

"It was a piece of shrapnel that came flying out of the explosion and came across and went through a couple of chain link fences, struck him and impacted into a vehicle," says the officer, adding the 44-year-old victim might lose his other leg as well due to his injuries. Four other spectators were treated for minor injuries. All of the injured spectators were standing beyond a perimeter set up to ensure public safety, says a county fire department engineer.

Weuns in Texas laugh at californian them they cant even blowed up a olden bilding in Texas weuns blowed up a whole town cause weuns always is are am better than calfornians TEXAS TEXAS PRIDE TEXAS STRONG TEXAS

tlc

Aug 4, 2013 11:47 AM CDT

my boys and I were there watching. It was exciting to see in person. for the week prior the public was told not to attend, and to stay home for safety reason, but there were still alot of people. we were at the far north side of the lowes parking lot, all those hurt were on the far south side closest to the buildings. I feel for those who were injured it certenly wil change this mans life, but there were warnings, and with that you take the consequences that come with your decision. I have not heard if he will lose his other leg.